Council on Aging seeks help to 'Sack Senior Hunger'

Published: Friday, March 15, 2013 at 4:30 a.m.

Last Modified: Thursday, March 14, 2013 at 4:32 p.m.

The Council on Aging of Henderson County is asking people to save their lunch money next week.

The nonprofit's annual “Sack Senior Hunger” will take place from March 18-22, when people are asked to pack their lunch instead of going to a restaurant or buying food.

In turn, the nonprofit is hoping people will donate the money they saved to the Meals on Wheels program and Council on Aging.

Money raised will stay in Henderson County and will help feed homebound older adults.

In the past, the program has seen donations from companies that encouraged employees to bring their lunch to work, as well as from individuals who made the effort.

Meals on Wheels, which is administered by the Council on Aging, provides more than 200 meals to people across the county, Community Development Officer Allison Nalley said. Nearly 44 percent of the county's population is made up of older adults, which makes the program vital to the community, she added.

The goal for the week is $2,000. The fundraiser brought in $1,500 last year.

All proceeds go directly to the Meals on Wheels program. And the program is about more than just serving meals, Nalley said.

“It's someone checking up on them every day,” she said. “It's all companionship.”

To donate, call 828-692-4203 or visit www.coahc.org.

Reach Millwood at 828-694-7881 or joey.millwood@blueridgenow.com.

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